Ultra high speed twin headed burnisher with pologanial pads and methods

ABSTRACT

An ultra-high speed burnisher with a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads creates less friction when burnishing a floor than a single circular burnishing pad or two circular burnishing pads. Less friction means that the polygonal pads rotate faster than circular burnishing pads and the polygonal pads create more heat on the floor finish than a single circular burnishing pad. The polygonal pads may be Y-shaped, flower-shaped, hexagonal-shaped, daisy-shaped, elongate like a lawnmower blade, triangular-shaped, square-shaped, pentagonal-shaped or cross-shaped. A method for producing polygonal pads and the resulting product of this method are also disclosed. A method for burnishing the floor of a store with at least 100,000 square feet of floor space on a single battery charge is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There are at least three different types of floor burnishers as distinguished by power source. Further, there are burnishers that have a single pad and those that have two pads which are commonly referred to in the industry as “twin headed” or “dual headed”. Some burnishers are walk-behind and others are ride on. Burnishers have a pad speed in the range of approximately 1,500 RPM to approximately 2,000 RPM or more and produce what is called in the industry an “ultra high speed” finish.

Designers in the burnisher business often categorize burnishers by power source because the power source often controls where the burnisher can be used. For example, one type of burnisher has a long power cord to be plugged into a wall outlet to power the AC burnish motor; these burnishers are sometimes referred to as “corded” burnishers in the industry. These corded burnishers are limited by the length of the power cord and the availability of wall outlets. For this reason, corded burnishers are limited to smaller spaces like office buildings with numerous wall outlets. These corded burnishers have a single head. To Applicants knowledge, there is no twin headed corded burnisher. Users also categorize burnishers by power source because they typically purchase a particular burnisher for a specific application or structure.

Another type of burnisher is powered by propane and has an internal combustion engine. These propane powered burnishers have a head pressure of approximately 80 psi and virtually unlimited run time because the propane is stored as a liquid in an onboard cylinder. One limitation on propane powered burnishers is noise; when operational, a propane burnisher will produce about 89 db and sounds like a noisy lawnmower. Propane powered burnishers produce more noise than any other type of burnisher. For this reason, propane burnishers may not be used in schools or universities during class. Large retailers are often open 24 hours, and do not want customers distracted or irritated by noisy propane burnishers. At Wal-Mart, corporate has issued a ban on the purchase and operation of propane burnishers throughout the corporation.

Another limitation on propane burnishers is the internal combustion engine which produces carbon monoxide which is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. In lower concentrations, carbon monoxide causes sickness and in higher concentrations death. For this reason, propane burnishers are banned from hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. However, propane burnishers are great for large areas with adequate ventilation. Further, modern propane burnishers come equipped with a catalytic converter which converts the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Some propane burnishers have a single pad. Other propane burnishers have twin pads. For example, Amano Pioneer Eclipse Corporation of Sparta, N.C. (www.pioneer-eclipse.com), hereinafter “Pioneer Eclipse” produces a ‘twin headed” propane burnisher model number PE420BU. A copy of the instruction manual for the PE420BU is included with the Information Disclosure Statement.

Yet another type of burnisher is a battery powered machine with on-board rechargeable batteries. Some battery powered burnishers have three rechargeable batteries and some have six. These walk-behind battery powered machines typically have a head pressure of only about 35 psi. Applicant is not aware of any walk-behind battery powered burnisher with a twin head and two pads. There are also ride-on battery powered burnishers. Applicant is not aware of any ride-on battery powered burnisher with a twin head and two pads.

In the past, it has been difficult for buyers to compare walk behind battery powered burnishers sold by different manufacturers because there are so many variables. Applicant believes that the best metric to compare walk behind battery powered burnishers that produce a UHS finish is to calculate the area burnished per charged. In order to use this metric, the burnish width of the two machines has to be the same. All other parameters can vary. The formula for calculating the area burnished per battery charge is:

Speed of Burnish width of Run time Area burnished Machine (MPH)×Machine in inches×in hours×440=per charge While burnishing

The best walk behind battery powered burnisher for a big box type store is the one that can produce a UHS finish and burnish the largest area per charge and preferably the entire store.

Burnishers are typically used to restore the luster to the finish on vinyl composite tile floors (VCTFs). In many locations, a floor is scrubbed first before burnishing to pick up the dirt. For example the Pioneer Eclipse Scrubber 360AS would be suitable for scrubbing prior to burnishing. The 360AS is a walk behind machine which puts water and optionally a cleaner on the floor which is then scrubbed by twin brushes and then the water, dirt and chemical is removed from the floor finish by a squeegee. Note this scrubbing process is solely to clean the finish on the floor, not to burnish the finish or remove the finish from the floor.

After scrubbing, the floor finish is burnished. In order to burnish the floor finish, it is necessary to generate enough friction and heat to actually melt the top layer of coating on the floor. Burnishing is often preferable to re-coating the floor. Re-coating is a complex process. Pioneer Eclipse produces three separate machines to be used in the re-coating process. The first machine is the Hydro Star™ stripping applicator which lays down a stripping chemical on the floor finish to help remove the finish from the VCTF. The second machine is the PE440ST™ propane stripping machine which uses counter rotating brushes to scrub the old finish from the floor. The third machine is the StripVac™ recovery apparatus with a squeegee that picks up the chemical stripper and the old floor finish from the VCTF prior to the operator applying new coats of finish to the floor.

Burnishing does not require that the finish be stripped off the VCTF. Machines that are used to burnish a floor are different from machines that are used to remove an old finish and re-coat with a new finish. Machines that are used to burnish floors are different from machines used to sweep, scrub, and sand other types of floors.

The circular pads that are commonly used on burnishers are sometimes referred to as a “hair blend” pad which means that hog hair is intermixed with synthetic fibers to form the pad. These hair blend pads are not proprietary and are produced by a variety of companies such as Continental Gilt/Microtron of Bridgeton, Mo. (www.continentalcommercialproducts.com). Treleoni of Manning, S.C. and ETC of Henderson, N.C. are also believed to produce these hair blend burnishing pads. Pioneer Eclipse has used with success the Blue Blend pad number PD3LBB from Treleoni on many of its burnishers.

In the past, burnishers were sometimes referred to as “dry buffers”. The more modern word to describe such machines is “burnisher.” Prior art dry buffers are disclosed with a single X-shaped pad and a single pad in the shape of a plus sign “+” as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,440 ('440 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,970 ('970 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,534 ('534 patent) which are all owned by Pioneer Eclipse. For the sake of simplicity, the plus sign shaped pads will hereinafter be referred to as cross-shaped pads. In the past, the Pioneer Eclipse has produced the Laser X® X-tra high speed burnisher which has a long power cord and a single X-shaped pad. In the past, the Pioneer Eclipse has produced the Magna 2000™ battery powered burnisher with a single X-shaped pad.

The search in the '440 patent disclosed rotary equipment of varying designs and complexity: U.S. Pat. Nos. 548,201; 3,417,420; 3,619,954; 3,974,598; 4,148,110; 4,358,868 and 4,365,377.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 548,201; 3,417,420 and 3,619,954 disclose a sweeping brush, buffing pad and sanding disc, respectively, having a generally X-shaped configuration. However, because of the material or design, none of those buffing pad devices are suitable for high speed floor burnishing, i.e. average speeds of 2,000 RPM. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,974,598 and 4,148,110 each disclose rotary scraping or sanding tools having air foil blades mounted on the rotary discs for expelling dust and debris from a workpiece. Those devices are also not suitable for burnishing because they are too small and are suitable only for scraping or sanding.

The following additional references were cited by the examiner in the '440 patent for X-shaped and cross-shaped pads: U.S. Pat. Nos. 935,558; 1,093,8201 1,763,365; 1,857,240; 2,415,372; 2,668,976; 2,949,619; 3,619,849; 3,678,532; 4,178,658; 4,307,480; 4,322,866 and 4,358,868.

The following additional references were cited in the '970 patent for X-shaped and cross-shaped pads: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,828,499; 3,354,488 and 3,445,877. The following additional reference was cited in the '534 patent for X-shaped and cross-shaped pads: U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,075.

A fresh search for the present application located the following references: US 20120190281, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,098,329; 3,721,048; 4,598,440; 4,805,258; 5,463,791; 6,640,386 and D460,232. None of the aforementioned references disclose a twin headed burnisher with polygonal pads.

Scrubble, a division of ACS Industries, Inc. of One New England Way, Lincoln, R.I., 02865, produces an octagonal burnishing pad and the brochure states that there is a “Patent Pending”. (www.scrubble.com) Applicant has been unable to find such patent application.

Pioneer Eclipse currently produces an ultra high speed battery powered burnisher model number 300BU 20 with a single round pad which produces a comparatively small area burnished per charge. The present invention uses some of the features of the 300BU 20, except the deck assembly has been modified to accept two polygonal pads and the type of burnish motor has been changed which results in a larger area burnished per charge. The instruction manual for the 300BU20 is included in the information disclosure statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Some big box stores are often open 24/7 and have at least 100,000 square feet of floor space that needs to be burnished overnight. Currently, two walk-behind battery powered burnishers with circular pads are used in this application because a single walk-behind machine lacks sufficient charge to burnish the entire 100,000 square feet of floor. Adding more batteries to allow a walk-behind burnisher to be able to burnish 100,000 square feet of floor on a single battery charge seems an obvious solution, but this results in a burnisher that is too expensive and too heavy to easily maneuver.

The aforementioned “big box application” has been a conundrum for designers. AC burnishers with elongate cords are problematic because there are insufficient electrical outlets in a big box store to allow a corded burnisher to reach all of the floor space and the cords are a trip hazard for customers. Propane burnishers are also problematic because of excessive noise and carbon monoxide emissions. A walk-behind battery powered burnisher is the optimal solution, but to applicant's knowledge, there are no battery powered walk-behind burnishers that can burnish 100,000 square feet of floor space on a single battery charge.

Polygonal pads were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,440; 4,701,970 and 4,739,534 but they were shown on AC burnishers with elongate cords which are unsuitable for the big box application described above. Battery powered walk-behind burnishers with a single circular pad have been in use, but to applicant's knowledge, none of these prior art battery powered walk-behind burnishers with a single circular pad will burnish at least 100,000 square feet of floor space on a single battery charge. Walk-behind propane burnishers with a twin burnishing head have been in use, but they produce excessive noise and carbon monoxide emissions and are therefore unsuitable for the big box application described above. There is still a need for an economical battery powered walk-behind burnisher that will burnish at least 100,000 square feet of floor space on a single charge. Applicant's combination of an economical twin headed battery powered walk-behind burnisher that uses two polygonal pads will burnish at least 100,000 square feet of floor space on a single charge.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is an ultra-high speed, twin headed, walk behind battery powered burnisher with polygonal pads. This burnisher is battery powered, uses DC motors, and is particularly suited for use in healthcare facilities and schools. In addition, the present invention will polish enough area per charge to completely burnish the floor space of a typical Wal-Mart® store. The floor space for such a store is approximately 100,000 square feet. (The overall size of such a store is much larger, but much of the overall area is taken up by display shelves and check out stations.) To Applicant's knowledge, there is no other walk-behind UHS battery powered twin headed burnisher that will burnish at least 100,000 square feet on a single charge. A method for burnishing at least 100,000 square feet of floor on a single charge with a battery powered twin headed ultra high speed burnisher is disclosed.

The polygonal pads of the present invention are always used as a matched pair on the twin headed machine. The polygonal pads of the present invention may be generally Y-shaped, flower-shaped, hexagonal shaped, daisy-shaped with a scalloped edge, blade shaped like a lawnmower blade, triangular-shaped, square-shaped, pentagonal-shaped or cross-shaped. All of these pads are cut from a sheet of fabric about one inch thick. Some of the designs, such as the Y-shaped pads leave less waste than prior art circular shaped pads. Some of the other polygonal shapes leave little waste when cut from a one inch thick fabric sheet. A method to cut space saving polygonal pads and the resulting product is also disclosed. The term “polygonal pad” as used herein does not include round pads which are prior art, octagonal pads which are prior art or X-shaped pads which are prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art battery powered burnisher with a single circular pad with the cover removed to show six batteries.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention, an UHS twin headed burnisher with polygonal pads. In this view, the twin headed deck assembly is shown in the upper position and the pads are not touching the floor.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the UHS twin headed burnisher with polygonal pads. In this view, the twin headed deck assembly is shown in the lower position and the pads are touching the floor.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of UHS twin headed burnisher with polygonal pads; the cover has been removed to show a three battery configuration. The invention may also be configured with six batteries, not shown.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the twin headed UHS battery powered burnisher of FIG. 4 and two Y-shaped burnisher pads are installed in the deck.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the deck assembly showing the drive belt, pulleys and the drive pads with the deck assembly and burnish motor shown in phantom.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view through the deck, the pads, and the pad drivers along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a flower shaped burnisher pad with five petals for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a Y-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher. This is the same type of pad previously shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a hexagonal-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a daisy-shaped burnisher pad with scalloped edges for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a blade-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a triangular-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a square-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a pentagonal-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a cross-shaped burnisher pad for the UHS twin headed burnisher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art battery powered burnisher 2 previously sold by Pioneer

Eclipse, but now discontinued. The burnisher has a single circular pad, not shown, under the deck assembly 4 which supports a passive dust collection container 6. A raise/lower assembly and drive 8 raises and lowers the deck assembly relative to the floor. The raise/lower assembly may also be referred to as a means to raise and lower the deck assembly. The deck assembly can be moved from a first position so the pad, not shown, is out of engagement with the floor to a second position so the pad, not shown, is in engagement with the floor. The burnisher 2 is powered by six batteries collectively identified by the numeral 10. Each of these 6 volt DC batteries has a 370 amp hour rating and is rechargeable. A power cord, not shown, is attached to a battery charger, not shown, which is mounted in the machine. The power cord is wound around supports, not shown, on the back of the machine when the machine is burnishing. The batteries are supported by a metal frame 12. A control panel 14 includes a key operated on/off switch 16. An ampere meter 18 displays the ampere draw of what is generally referred to in the industry as the “burnisher motor”, not shown, which drives the single circular pad, not shown. The ampere meter has a needle which reads from 0-150 amperes. A lever 20 adjusts the pad pressure of the single circular pad, not shown, from low, to medium, to high. A direction switch 22 controls the forward/reverse direction of the traction motor, not shown and therefore the direction of rotation of the traction wheels. A burnisher motor switch 24 is an on/off switch for the burnisher motor, not shown, which drives the single circular pad, not shown. A deck assembly control switch 26 lowers the deck assembly 4 to a lower position so the pad, not shown, is in engagement with the floor and in the alternative raises the deck assembly 4 to an upper position so the pad, not shown, is out of engagement with the floor. The battery discharge meter 28 displays the amount of battery charge from green to red and an hour meter to record the number of operational hours on the battery burnisher. The battery discharge meter is often called a multiple display indicator (MDI) in the industry. When the battery discharge meter is in the red level, the battery powered burnisher 2 needs to be recharged. Fuses 30 and 32 safeguard from current overloads and generally protect the electrical system of the battery powered burnisher. A pair of handles 34 allows the operator to control the traverse speed of the traction wheels, not shown.

At the start of a shift, the burnisher will typically be located at the recharging station, not shown, and will be plugged in to recharge the batteries. The first thing the operator does is to unplug the battery powered burnisher. In order to start the battery powered burnisher, the operator first puts a key into the key operated on/off switch and turns the machine to the on position. The operator actuates the deck assembly control switch so the deck assembly and pad are raised by the raise/lower assembly so the pad, not shown, is out of engagement with the floor. The operator then actuates the forward/reverse switch to direct the burnisher as he/she desires. Finally, the operator grabs both handles, one of which rotates to control the speed of the traverse motor, not shown, which determines how fast the traverse wheels, not shown, turn to propel the machine to an appropriate location where the floor finish has lost its luster.

At an appropriate location, the operator removes his hands from the handles to stop the traverse wheels of the burnisher which stops the forward motion of the machine; turns the burnisher motor switch on which causes the burnisher motor, not shown, to rotate which causes the pad, not shown, to rotate; actuates the deck assembly control switch to lower the pad, not shown, into engagement with the floor and adjusts the pad pressure lever to the appropriate pressure. The operator then re-grasps the handles and activates the traction motor which causes the traction wheels to rotate, which causes the battery burnisher to traverse across the floor while burnishing.

When the battery discharge shows that the batteries are low, the operator stops burnishing by turning the burnish motor switch off and actuates the deck assembly control switch to raise the pad and deck, not shown, to the upper position so the pads are out of engagement with the floor. The operator then drives the battery powered burnisher back to the recharge station to recharge the batteries.

The battery powered burnisher of FIG. 1 was sold by Pioneer Eclipse under the brand name Power Glide™ to approximately 2011. The Power Glide battery powered burnisher had specifications as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Prior Art Power Glide ™ Battery Burnisher with single 24″ Circular Pad Area burnished Approx. 84,000 sq. ft. per charge w/24 in. round pad: Run time per charge Approx. 4 hr. w/24 in. round pad: Burnishing width: 24 in. with 24 in. circular pad Speed of machine while burnishing: 2 MPH Speed of machine w/o burnishing: between 0 to 3.2 mph, variable Pad Size: 24 in. circular Pad Pressure: Adjustable Burnish Motor Speed 1,500 RPM Burnisher motor: 3.5 HP Duty-Cycle Power Rating Permanent Magnet Motor 65 Amps. @ 1,500 RPM Traction Motor: 0.5 HP Permanent Magnet Transaxle Motor Wheels: 10 in. solid Noise Level: 65-70 db Vibration Level Less than 2.5 m/s² Power Source: 6 × 6 VDC Batteries-370 Amp Hour Weight w/o Batteries: 290 lb. Weight w/Batteries: 950 lb. Length × Width × Height: 62 in.-29 in.-42 in. Dust Collection Filter: Washable filter media Overload Protection: Resettable circuit breakers

In a big box store with numerous rows, the first priority during the graveyard shift is to restock the shelves, which is typically done a row at a time. After a row has been restocked, sometimes the same person scrubs the floor to remove dirt. The Pioneer Eclipse 360AS walk behind scrubber is suitable for this scrubbing process. Then the floor finish may be burnished using the present invention described below. After the first row has been burnished, the personnel move to the next row and the process repeats itself.

FIGS. 2-6 show the present invention, an UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher 52 with a pair of polygonal pads 84, best seen in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 8-16, these polygonal pads have different shapes. Pioneer Eclipse currently produces a battery burnisher with a single pad, model number 300BU20. The instruction manual for this prior art machine is included in the Information Disclosure Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 2-6 will be described collectively. The UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher with polygonal pads is generally identified by the numeral 52. The body 56 of this burnisher is rotationally cast polyethylene. (Roto-casting is a molding technique that is well known to those skilled in the art.) A rotationally cast polyethylene cover 58 is removably positioned on the body. Rechargeable batteries 60 are positioned inside the body and can be accessed by removing the cover. A power cord, not shown, is attached to a battery charger 61, best seen in FIG. 3. The power cord, not shown, is wound around supports, not shown, on the back of the machine when the machine is burnishing.

A pair of traction wheels 62 are connected proximate the front of the frame and in contact with the floor. These traction wheels 62 are operatively connected to a traction motor 64 to impart movement to the burnisher so the operator does not have to push the burnisher during operation. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a single traction wheel may be used. A pair of casters 66 with brakes are connected proximate the rear of the frame and contact the floor to allow the operator to better guide the burnisher while traversing and/or burnishing. The traction wheels and the casters roll on the floor 54.

A deck assembly 68 is attached to and supports the burnish motor 70. The deck assembly is operatively attached by an arm 72 to the front of the burnisher. A raise/lower assembly, not shown, allows the deck assembly to be manually moved through an arc of about 90°. The deck assembly can move from a first position above the floor 54 so the pads do not touch the floor (FIG. 2) to a second position where the pads do touch the floor (FIG. 3). In the first position, the deck assembly is at an angle of about 20-30° relative to the floor and the pads are not in contact with the floor. In order to replace the pads, the deck assembly moves to a third position, not shown, at approximately 90° relative to the floor exposing the pads for removal and replacement. A release tab 76 releases the deck assembly from the third position back to the first position where the pads do not touch the floor, as better shown in FIG. 2.

At the rear of the burnisher, a control panel 88 is mounted on a pedestal. As better seen in FIG. 4, pair of handles 90 surrounds the control panel and enable the operator to better direct the burnisher. Mounted on the inside of one or both of the handles is a squeeze switch 92 to actuate the burnisher motor and the traction motor. The squeeze switch also acts as a safety device to deactivate the brush and traction motors, should the operator loose his grip on the machine in an accidental circumstance. A traction speed control knob 94 is mounted on the control panel to regulate the speed of the traction motor and thus the traction wheels. Also mounted on the control panel is a key switch 96 which uses a key and turns the burnisher on/off. A burnisher motor switch 98 provides an on/off function for the burnisher motor and is also mounted on the control panel. When the burnisher motor switch is on, the burnishing pads are rotating; when the switch is off the burnishing pads are not turning. An alarm indicator LED 100 is mounted on the control panel and gives the operator warning of harmful over current to the traction motor. Also mounted on the control panel, is a battery discharge meter/hour meter 102 which indicates when the batteries need to be recharged. This meter has an LED indicator, not shown, and colors on the face of the meter, not shown, running from green to red, indicating when there is a need to recharge the batteries. A reverse switch 104 is positioned on the control panel and reverses the direction of the traction motor when the operator wants the burnisher to move in the reverse direction.

After a project has been completed, the burnisher 52 is driven to a recharge station. The cord on the rear of the machine is uncoiled from the machine and plugged into a wall outlet for recharging. The machine is turned off.

At the beginning of the next shift, the operator goes through a pre-operation check list as follows: unplug power cord and wrap around rear of burnisher 52; check that the burnisher motor switch is in the off position; check the pad driver to ensure that there are no breaks or cracks; check for correct connection of the batteries; check that the dust collection bag is empty; and release the caster breaks.

In order to turn on the burnisher 52, the operator goes through the following sequence: turn the key to the on position, turn the burnisher motor switch to the on position; engage the handles; put pressure on the squeeze switch and adjust the speed as needed with the traction speed control knob.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the deck assembly is arranged at an angle of approximately 65 degrees relative to the forward direction of travel of the burnisher 52. This diagonal position of the deck assembly allows the two burnish pads to overlap slightly relative to the forward movement of the burnisher so there is complete treatment of the floor finish underneath of the deck assembly. If the deck assembly was arranged at 90° relative to the direction of travel of the burnisher, there would be a small strip of un-burnished floor left behind the burnisher which would necessitate repeated trips over a floor. To prevent this issue, the burnish head is arranged at a diagonal relative to the forward direction of travel of the burnisher, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the deck assembly 68 shown in phantom. The drive assembly is shown in solid line. A drive pulley 78 is operatively connected to the burnish motor 70, also shown in phantom. A drive shaft 71, better seen in FIG. 7 is operatively connected to the burnish motor and the drive pulley 78. The continuous belt 80 runs in a clockwise direction as shown by the direction arrow, from the drive pulley to a first idler pulley 106 to the first driven pulley 124 to a tension pulley assembly generally identified by the numeral 110 having a tension pulley 114. The continuous belt then winds around the second driven pulley 129 to a second idler pulley 108 and back to the drive pulley 78. Each polygonal pad is removably connected to each pad driver 126 and 128 by a hook and loop fastening system 87 such as Velcro® connectors and by a removable threaded ring 122. The removable threaded ring, better seen in FIGS. 5 and 7 also helps to secure each polygonal pad to each pad driver.

The size of the drive pulley 78 relatively to the driven pulleys 124 and 129 is arranged so that the rotational speed of the polygonal pads is faster than the rotational speed of the burnish motor 70. The rotational speed of the pads is accomplished by using a drive pulley having a diameter that is larger than the driven pulleys, as is well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the drive pulley is approximately 4.4 inches in diameter and the driven pulleys are approximately 4 inches to achieve an optimal pad speed of approximately 2,200 RPM.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view through the deck assembly 68, the pair of pads, and the pair of pad drivers along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5. The burnish motor 70 has a burnish drive shaft 71 which is operatively connected to the drive pulley 78. With reference to the right hand side of the drawing, a first driven pulley axle 116 is fixed to the deck by a bolt 117. A driven pulley ball bearing assembly 118 surrounds the driven pulley axle 116. The second driven pulley 129 is operatively connected to the ball bearing assembly 118. The second pad driver 128 is secured to the second driven pulley 129 by a plurality of bolts 120. A hook and loop connector 87 is mounted on the face of the second pad driver 128 and removably connects the pad 132 to the second pad driver 128 as shown in the enlargement. The threaded retention ring 122 threadably connects to the second pad driver 128 to further secure the pad 132 in place for high speed rotation. On the other side of the deck, another pad, another pad driver, and related assembly is shown. The other side of deck assembly is identical to the right hand side of the deck, previously described.

Specifications for a UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher 52 with polygonal pads are shown below in Table 2; other configurations are described after the conclusion of Table 2. The table indicates that the burnisher 52 can be configured with three rechargeable batteries or 6 rechargeable batteries. The burnisher 52 uses a pair of pads which is why it is called a twin-headed machine. Each pair of pads must be the same; but the pair may be configured in any of several polygonal shapes as shown in FIGS. 8-16.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a flower shaped burnisher pad 130 for use in the UHS twin headed burnisher. All of the pads are mounted in opposing pairs and must be in balance and symmetrical. A center circular cutout 131 is formed in this and each of the polygonal pads to facilitate installation and removal from the pad driver. The diameter of the center circular cutout is approximately 3.5 inches. This is an industry standard and remains constant regardless of the diameter of the pad. This flower-shaped burnisher pad has five petals and each are separated one from the other by an angle of approximately 72° measured from the center line to the center line of each petal as indicated by the angle A in the figure. A 14 inch diameter flower shaped pad will have an area of approximately 80 inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter flower shaped pad will have an area of approximately 93 inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter flower-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 115 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter flower shaped pad will have an area of approximately 123 inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter flower-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 165 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

The polygonal pads shown in FIGS. 8-16 may be a “hair blend” type pad or other suitable design. A hair blend pad has hog hair intermixed with synthetic fibers to form the pad. Hair blend pads are not proprietary and are cut from a sheet of the hair blend fabric. The polygonal pads shown in FIGS. 8-16 are nominally one inch thick. These polygonal pads are attached to a pad driver of similar shape with a hook and loop material such as Velcro® fasteners to facilitate easy removal and replacement.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a single Y-shaped burnisher pad 132 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. This Y-shaped burnisher pad is the same pad shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. This Y-shaped burnisher pad has three lobes and each are separated one from the other by an angle of approximately 120° measured from the center line to the center line of each petal as indicated by the angle B in the figure. A 14 inch diameter Y-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 51 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter Y-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 60 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter Y-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 76 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter Y-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 80 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter Y-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 107 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

As previously mentioned, all of the polygonal pads are cut from a sheet of fabric. The Y-shaped pads have a further advantage because they can be cut in a nesting fashion so as to reduce waste during the cutting process. This is an additional advantage to the Y-shaped design. The tips of the Y-shaped design are rounded but they may also straight in another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a single hexagonal-shaped burnisher pad 134 for use as a pair in the UHS twin headed burnisher. A 14 inch diameter hexagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 122 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter hexagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 141 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter hexagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 163 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter hexagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 184 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter hexagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 285 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

As previously mentioned, all of the polygonal pads are cut from a sheet of fabric. The hexagonal pads have a further advantage because they can be cut close to each other to reduce waste during the cutting process. This is an additional advantage to the hexagonal pad design. In this embodiment, the tips of the hexagon are rounded.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a daisy-shaped burnisher pad 136 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. In this view, the pad has eight rounded petals. A pad with more or less petals is also considered within the scope of this invention. In this embodiment, the pedals are scalloped-shaped on the tips. A 14 inch diameter daisy-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 131 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter daisy-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 151 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter daisy-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 161 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter daisy-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 197 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter daisy-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 282 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a single blade-shaped burnisher pad 138 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. In this embodiment, the tips of the blade are rounded, but they may also be straight. A 14 inch diameter blade-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 63 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter blade-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 74 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter blade-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 82 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter blade-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 98 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter blade-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 113 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a single triangular-shaped burnisher pad 140 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. In this embodiment, the corners of the triangle are rounded. A 14 inch diameter triangular-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 68 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter triangular-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 79 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter triangular-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 94 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter triangular-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 104 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter triangular-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 160 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a single square-shaped burnisher pad 142 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. In this view, the corners of the square are rounded. A 14 inch diameter square-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 97 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter square-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 112 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter square-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 131 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter square-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 147 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter square-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 228 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a single pentagonal-shaped burnisher pad 146 for use as a pair on the UHS twin headed burnisher. In this view, the corners of the pentagon are rounded. A 14 inch diameter pentagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 113 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter pentagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 131 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter pentagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 151 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter pentagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 171 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter pentagonal-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 264 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

FIG. 16 Bottom perspective view of cross-shaped burnisher pad 148 for use as a matched pair on UHS twin headed burnisher. In this view, the corners of the cross are rounded. This cross-shaped burnisher pad has four lobes and each are separated one from the other by an angle of approximately 90° measured from the center line to the center line of each petal. A 14 inch diameter cross-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 68 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 15 inch diameter cross-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 79 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 16 inch diameter cross-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 97 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 17 inch diameter cross-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 104 square inches, not including the center circular cutout. A 21 inch diameter cross-shaped pad will have an area of approximately 137 square inches, not including the circular cutout.

The burnisher detailed in Table 2 below has a burnish width in the range of between approximately 29 to approximately 31 inches and more preferably between approximately 29.5 to approximately 30.5 inches and optimally 30 inches. This will be referred to as a nominal 30 inch burnish width. The forward speed of the burnisher detailed in Table 2 below while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The speed of the burnisher detailed in Table 2 below while traversing across the floor, but not burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The pad pressure on the floor is in the range of between approximately 30 psi and approximately 50 psi, and more preferably between approximately 35 psi and approximately 45 psi and optimally 40 psi. These pressures are well below the pad pressure of a propane burnisher which is approximately 80 psi. The run time per battery charge for three batteries and two polygonal 16″ pads rotating at approximately 2,200 RPM is in the range of between approximately 2.5 hours and approximately 3.5 hours, and more preferably between approximately 2.75 hours and approximately 3.25 hours and optimally approximately 3.0 hours. The run time per charge with six batteries and two polygonal 16″ pads rotating at approximately 2,200 RPM is in the range of approximately 5.5 hours and approximately 6.5 hours, and more preferably between approximately 5.75 hours and approximately 6.25 hours and optimally approximately 6.0 hours.

TABLE 2 One Embodiment of the Present Invention Area burnished per charge Approx. 128,000 sq. ft. w/3 batteries w/two @ approx. 2,200 RPM approx. 16″ polygonal pads: Approx. 256,000 sq. ft. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,200 RPM Pad speed ranges Between approx. 2,000 RPM & approx. 2,400 RPM; More preferably between approx. 2,100 RPM & approx. 2,300 RPM; and Optimally approx. 2,200 RPM. Burnisher motor: Approx. 2.5 HP, 36 VDC, 2000 RPM Permanent magnet motor Approx. 50 Amps. @ Approx. 2,000 RPM Traction Motor: Approx. 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: Approx. 8 in. solid Noise Level: Approx. 72 db Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² Power source: Sealed or Wet Lead Batteries, 228 Amp. Hr. 12 VDC, 36 V system or 375 Amp Hr. 6 VDC, 36 V system Weight w/o batteries: Approx. 290 lbs. Weight w/batteries: Approx. 650 lbs. w/three batteries Approx. 980 lbs. w/six batteries Length × Width × Height: Approx. 55 in.-31 in.-approx. 45 in. Dust Collection Bag: one cloth or paper

In an alternative embodiment, a burnisher has a burnish width in the range of between approximately 25 to approximately 27 inches, and more preferably between approximately 25.5 inches and 26.5 inches and optimally 26 inches. This will be referred to as a nominal 26 inch burnish width. The forward speed of this burnisher while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The speed of this burnisher while traversing across the floor, but not burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The pad pressure on the floor is in the range of between approximately 30 psi and approximately 50 psi, and more preferably between approximately 35 psi and approximately 45 psi and optimally 40 psi. These pressures are well below the pad pressure of a propane burnisher which is approximately 80 psi. The run time per battery charge for three batteries and two polygonal 14″ pads rotating at approximately 2,300 RPM is in the range of between approximately 3.0 hours and approximately 4.0 hours, and more preferably between approximately 3.3 hours and approximately 3.7 hours and optimally approximately 3.5 hours. The following specifications apply to a burnisher with a nominal 26 inch burnish width:

Area burnished per charge Approx. 130,000 sq. ft. w/3 batteries w/two 14″ polygonal pads: @ approx. 2,300 RPM Run time per charge Approx. 3.5 hr. w/3 batteries @ approx. 2,300 w/two 14″ polygonal pads: RPM Pad speed ranges Between approx. 2,100 RPM & approx. 2,500 RPM; More preferably between approx. 2,200 RPM & approx. 2,400 RPM; and Optimally approx. 2,300 RPM Burnisher motor: Approx. 2.5 HP, 36 VDC, 2,000 RPM Permanent magnet motor Approx. 43 Amps. @ Approx. 2,000 RPM Traction Motor: Approx. 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: Approx. 8 in. solid Noise Level: Approx. 72 db Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² Power source: Sealed or Wet Lead Batteries, 228 Amp. Hr. 12 VDC, 36 V system Weight w/o batteries: Approx. 280 lbs. Weight w/batteries: Approx. 640 lbs. w/three batteries Length × Width × Height: Approx. 53 in.-approx. 27 in.-approx. 45 in. Dust Collection Bag: One cloth or paper

In an alternative embodiment, a burnisher has a burnish width in the range of between approximately 27 to approximately 29 inches, and more preferably between approximately 27.5 and approximately 28.5 inches and optimally 28 inches. This will be referred to as a nominal 28 inch burnish width. The forward speed of this burnisher while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The speed of this burnisher while traversing across the floor, but not burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The pad pressure on the floor is in the range of between approximately 30 psi and approximately 50 psi, and more preferably between approximately 35 psi and approximately 45 psi and optimally 40 psi. These pressures are well below the pad pressure of a propane burnisher which is approximately 80 psi. The run time per battery charge for three batteries and two polygonal 15″ pads rotating at approximately 2,300 RPM is in the range of between approximately 2.7 hours and approximately 3.7 hours, and more preferably between approximately 3.0 hours and approximately 3.4 hours and optimally approximately 3.2 hours. The run time per charge with six batteries and two polygonal 15″ pads rotating at approximately 2,3000 RPM is in the range of approximately 5.9 hours and approximately 6.9 hours, and more preferably between approximately 6.2 hours and approximately hours and optimally 6.6 approximately 6.4 hours.

The following specifications apply to a burnisher with a nominal 28 inch burnish width:

Area burnished per charge Approx. 128,000 sq. ft. w/3 batteries 15″ polygonal pads: @ approx. 2,300 RPM Approx. 256,000 sq. ft. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,3000 RPM Run time per charge Approx. 3.2 hr. w/3 batteries @ approx. 2,300 w/two 15″ polygonal pads: RPM Approx. 6.4 hr. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,300 RPM Pad speed ranges Between approx. 2,100 RPM & approx. 2,500 RPM; More preferably between approx. 2,200 RPM & approx. 2,400 RPM; and Optimally approx. 2,300 RPM Burnisher motor: Approx. 2.5 HP, 36 VDC, 2000 RPM Permanent magnet motor Approx. 47 Amps. @ Approx. 2,000 RPM Traction Motor: Approx. 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: Approx. 8 in. solid Noise Level: Approx. 72 db Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² Power source: Sealed or Wet Lead Batteries, 228 Amp. Hr. 12 VDC, 36 V system or 375 Amp Hr. 6 VDC, 36 V system Weight w/o batteries: Approx. 280 lbs. Weight w/batteries: Approx. 640 lbs. w/three batteries Approx. 970 lbs. w/six batteries Length × Width × Height: Approx. 54 in.-approx. 29 in.-approx. 45 in. Dust Collection Bag: one cloth or paper

In another alternative embodiment, a burnisher has a burnish width in the range of between approximately 31 to approximately 33 inches, and more preferably in the range of between approximately 31.5 to approximately 32.5 and optimally 32 inches. This will be referred to as a nominal 32 inch burnish width. The forward speed of this burnisher while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The speed of this burnisher while traversing across the floor, but not burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The pad pressure on the floor is in the range of between approximately 30 psi and approximately 50 psi, and more preferably between approximately 35 psi and approximately 45 psi and optimally 40 psi. These pressures are well below the pad pressure of a propane burnisher which is approximately 80 psi. The run time per battery charge for three batteries and two polygonal 17″ pads rotating at approximately 2,200 RPM is in the range of between approximately 2.3 hours and approximately 3.3 hours, and more preferably between approximately 2.6 hours and approximately 3.0 hours and optimally approximately 2.8 hours. The run time per charge with six batteries and two polygonal 17″ pads rotating at approximately 2,200 RPM is in the range of approximately 5.1 hours and approximately 6.1 hours, and more preferably between approximately 5.4 hours and approximately 5.8 hours and optimally approximately 5.6 hours.

The following specifications apply to a burnisher with a nominal 32 inch burnish width:

Area burnished per charge Approx. 128,000 sq. ft. w/3 batteries w/two 17″ polygonal pads: @ approx. 2,200 RPM Approx. 256,000 sq. ft. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,200 RPM Run time per charge Approx. 2.8 hr. w/3 batteries @ approx. 2,200 w/two 17″ polygonal pads: RPM Approx. 5.6 hr. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,200 RPM Pad speed ranges Between approx. 2,000 RPM to approx. 2,400 RPM More preferably between approx. 2,100 RPM & approx. 2,300 RPM. Optimally approx. 2,200 RPM Burnisher motor: Approx. 2.5 HP, 36 VDC, 2000 RPM Permanent magnet motor Approx. 53 Amps. @ Approx. 2,000 RPM Traction Motor: Approx. 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: Approx. 8 in. solid Noise Level: Approx. 72 db Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² Power source: Sealed or Wet Lead Batteries, 228 Amp. Hr. 12 VDC, 36 V system or 375 Amp Hr. 6 VDC, 36 V system Weight w/o batteries: Approx. 300 lbs. Weight w/batteries: Approx. 660 lbs. w/three batteries Approx. 990 lbs. w/six batteries Length × Width × Height: Approx. 56 in.-approx. 33 in.-approx. 45 in. Dust Collection Bag: one cloth or paper

In another alternative embodiment, a burnisher has a burnish width in the range of between approximately 39 to approximately 41 inches and more preferably between approximately 39.5 inches and 40.5 inches, and optimally 40 inches. This will be referred to as a nominal 40 inch burnish width. The forward speed of this burnisher while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The speed of this burnisher while traversing across the floor, but not burnishing is in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH and more preferably between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH and optimally approximately 3.25 MPH. The pad pressure on the floor is in the range of between approximately 30 psi and approximately 50 psi, and more preferably between approximately 35 psi and approximately 45 psi and optimally 40 psi. These pressures are well below the pad pressure of a propane burnisher which is approximately 80 psi. The run time per battery charge for three batteries and two polygonal 21″ pads rotating at approximately 2,000 RPM is in the range of between approximately 2.0 hours and approximately 3.0 hours, and more preferably between approximately 2.3 hours and approximately 2.8 hours and optimally approximately 2.5 hours. The run time per charge with six batteries and two polygonal 21″ pads rotating at approximately 2,0000 RPM is in the range of approximately 4.0 hours and approximately 5.0 hours, and more preferably 4.3 between approximately 4.7 hours and approximately hours and optimally approximately 4.5 hours.

The following specifications apply to a burnisher with a nominal 40 inch burnish width:

Area burnished per charge Approx. 129.000 sq. ft. w/3 batteries with two 21″ polygonal pads: @ approx. 2,000 RPM Approx. 257,000 sq. ft. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,000 RPM Run time per charge Approx. 2.5 hr. w/3 batteries @ approx. 2,000 With two 21″ pads: RPM Approx. 4.5 hr. w/6 batteries @ approx. 2,000 RPM Pad speed ranges: Between approx. 1,800 RPM to approx. 2,200 RPM; More preferably between Approx. 1,900 RPM to approx. 2,100 RPM; and Optimally approx. 2,000 RPM. Burnisher motor: Approx. 3.0 HP, 36 VDC, 2000 RPM Permanent magnet motor Approx. 65 Amps @ Approx. 2,000 RPM Traction Motor: Approx. 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: Approx. 8 in. solid Noise Level: Approx. 72 db Vibration Level: Less than 2.5 m/s² Power source: Sealed or Wet Lead Batteries, 228 Amp. Hr. 12 VDC, 36 V system or 375 Amp Hr. 6 VDC, 36 V system Weight w/o batteries: Approx. 310 lbs. Weight w/batteries: Approx. 670 lbs. w/three batteries Approx. 1,000 lbs. w/six batteries Length × Width × Height: Approx. 60 in.-approx. 41 in.-approx. 45 in. Dust Collection Bag: one cloth or paper

As previously mentioned, Pioneer Eclipse currently manufactures a battery powered burnisher with a single circular pad model number PE300BU which has three batteries. An instruction manual for the PE300BU is included in the information disclosure statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention uses a body design similar to the PE300BU, but changes the configuration to a twin headed machine with two polygonal pads. For comparison purposes, Table 3 is a list of specifications for the prior art battery powered burnisher with a single circular 24″ pad model number PE300BU which has three batteries.

TABLE 3 Prior Art: Pioneer Eclipse Burnisher Model No. PE300BU One 24″ Circular Pad, Three Batteries Area burnished Approx. 85,000 sq. ft. per charge w/24 in. round pad: Run time per charge Approx. 2.5 hrs. w/24 in. round pad: Burnishing width: 24 in. circular pad Speed of machine while burnishing: Approx. 2.5 MPH Speed of machine w/o burnishing: Approx. 3.25 MPH Pad Speed: 1,800 RPM Pad Size: 24 in. circular pad Pad Pressure: Adjustable Burnisher motor: 2.5 HP, 36 VDC Permanent magnet motor Traction Motor: 0.5 HP permanent magnet transaxle motor Wheels: 8 in. solid Noise Level: <70 db Vibration Level: <2.5 m/s² Power Source: 3 × 12 VDC-228 Amps. Hour Weight w/o Batteries: 260 lbs. Weight w/Batteries: 620 lbs. Length × Width × Height: 58 in. length × 25 in width × 45 in. height Dust Collection Bag: One cloth or paper Overload Protection: Resettable breakers

This patent application discloses a UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher which can be produced in a number of different sizes, which are typically categorized by the nominal burnish width. Previously, this application has described five different sizes having the following nominal burnish widths: approx. 26″, approx. 28″, approx. 30″, approx. 32″, and approx. 40″.

Table 4 is a hypothetical example. The polygonal pads of column 1 use less electrical energy than the prior art 28″ circular pad of column 2 and therefore, the UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher built according to one embodiment of the present invention can be powered with three rechargeable batteries instead of the traditional six batteries in prior art burnishers. This means that the original purchase price of the UHS twin headed battery powered burnisher built according to one embodiment of the present invention using two polygonal pads may be less that some prior art battery powered burnishers using a single circular pad.

The first column of Table 4 describes the operational characteristics of one embodiment of the present invention having a nominal burnish width of 28″ fitted with two 15 inch cross-shaped pads as shown in FIG. 16. The second column of Table 4 describes the operational characteristics of a prior battery powered burnisher with a single 28 inch circular pad. The nominal burnish width of these two burnishers is the same, i.e. 28″; therefore, this is an apples to apples comparison.

The end user saves on capital costs when they purchase one embodiment of the present invention as shown in column 2 of Table 4. The estimated purchase price of one burnisher built according to one embodiment of the present invention as explained in column 1 of Table 4 is approximately $7,200 and the approximate purchase price of the prior art burnisher in column 2 of Table 4 is approximately $7,800. This results in a capital cost savings of approximately $600 per machine (7,800−7,200=600).

The end user saves on electricity costs during the life of the present invention as shown in Table 4. The electricity cost per year to recharge the batteries of one embodiment of the present invention shown in column 1 is approximately $363 assuming the cost of electricity is 7 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). The electricity cost per year to recharge the batteries of the prior art burnisher in column 2 is approximately $561 dollars per year, again assuming the cost of electricity is 7 cents per kWh. The savings in electricity cost over a year per machine is approximately $198 (561−363=198).

The estimated life of the batteries used in these machines is 2 years. If the customer replaces the three batteries in one embodiment of the present invention, the estimated cost of the three batteries is $835. If the machine has an estimated life of 6 years, these batteries would have to be replaced twice. This would result in battery costs of $1,670 (2×835=1,670). If the customer replaces the six batteries in the prior art burnisher, the estimated cost of the six batteries is $1,500. If the machine has an estimated life of 6 years, the batteries would have to be replaced twice. This would result in battery costs of $3,000 (2×1,500=3,000). The savings in battery cost over a 6 year period per machine is approximately $1,330 (3,000−1,670=1,330).

In this comparison, the prior art machine uses one 28″ round pad. One embodiment of the present invention uses two 15″ cross shaped pads. During normal operation, each machine would require a new pad(s) per 100,000 sqft. Column 1 of table four shows the annual pad cost of one embodiment of the present invention to be $1,728, if used in a facility that had 100,000 sqft of burnishable floor space. Column 2 of table four shows the annual pad cost of the prior art to be $3,258, if used in a facility that had 100,000 sqft of burnishable floor space. The savings in pad costs for one embodiment of the present invention over a 1 year period is $1,530 (3,258−1,728=1,530).

If a customer has 1,000 big box stores and purchases one burnisher per store built according to one embodiment of the present invention this results in a total of 1,000 burnishers, this results in a capital cost savings of $600,000 (600×1000=600,000). The estimated life of these machines is 6 years. If the customer operates 1,000 machines during the year the annual savings in electricity costs is approximately $198,000 (198×1,000=198,000). Over the six year life of these 1,000 machines the electricity savings is approximately $1,188,000 (198,000×6=1,188,000). If the customer operates 1,000 machines, the estimated battery cost savings over the 6 year life of the machines is $1,330,000 (1,000×1,330). If the customer operates 1,000 machines during the year, the annual savings in pad costs is approximately $1,530,000 (1,000×1,260). Over the 6 year life of these 1,000 machines, the pad savings is approximately $9,180,000 (6×1,530,000).

The total savings in capital costs, electricity costs, battery costs, and pad costs for 1,000 burnishers built according to one embodiment of the present invention is approximately $12,298,000 (600,000+1,188,000+1,330,000+9,180,000=12,298,000) over the estimated six year life of these machines.

Some of the largest big box retailers have 6,000 stores. Hypothetically, the end user who owns and operates 6,000 burnishers built according to one embodiment of the present invention will save approximately $73,788,000 in capital costs, electricity costs, battery costs, and pad costs over the estimated six year life of these machines (12,298,000×6=73,788,000).

TABLE 4 Descriptor New Invention Prior Art Battery charge time 10 hrs 15.5 hrs Cost of electricity 7¢/kWh 7¢/kWh Energy required to charge batteries 14.4 kWh 22.3 kWh Cost per charge     $1.01     $1.56 Machines required to burnish 100K sqft     1     1 facility Est. machine purchased price per machine  $7,200.00  $7,800.00 # of charges per year for 100K sqft facility,    360    360 (if burnished 360 times) Electricity cost per year to charge batteries   $363.60   $561.60 Est. life of batteries 2 yrs 2 yrs # of batteries required per machine     3     6 Est. cost of replacement batteries req.   $835.00  $1,500.00 every 2 years Est. life of machine 6 yrs 6 yrs Energy cost for life of machine, (includes  $3,851.60  $6,369.60 electricity to charge batteries and replacement batteries every 2 Yrs). Burnish pads required per year per    720    360 machine. Cost of pads each     $2.40     $9.05 Cost of pads per year  $1,728.00  $3,258.00 Total cost of ownership for life of $21,419.60 $33,717.60 machines 

1. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 29 inches to approximately 31 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 2.5 hours and approximately 3.5 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH, the burnish width is in the range of between approximately 29.5 inches and approximately 30.5 inches, and the run time per charge of the batteries is in the range of between approximately 2.75 hours and approximately 3.25 hours.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is approximately 3.25 MPH, the burnish width is approximately 30 inches and the run time per charge of the batteries is approximately 3.0 hours.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are flower-shaped.
 5. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are Y-shaped.
 6. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are hexagonal-shaped.
 7. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are daisy-shaped.
 8. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are generally blade-shaped.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are generally triangular-shaped.
 10. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are generally square-shaped.
 11. The combination of claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are generally pentagonal-shaped.
 12. The combination claim 1 wherein the pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads are generally cross-shaped.
 13. In combination a rechargeable battery powered walk behind headed burnisher with a pair of polygonal drive polygonal pads adapted to hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a battery pack having three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed at least approximately 3.25 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of polygonal drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a nominal floor burnish width of approximately 30 inches; a pair of opposing Y-shaped polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of opposing drive pads, the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run for at least 3 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly to a first position where the polygonal burnishing pads are touching the floor and a second position where the polygonal burnishing pads are not touching the floor; and a control panel to allow an operator to control at least the traction motor and the burnish motor.
 14. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least six rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 29 inches to approximately 31 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 5.5 hours and approximately 6.5 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 15. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 25 inches to approximately 27 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 3.0 hours and approximately 4.0 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 16. The combination of claim 15 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH, the burnish width is in the range of between approximately 25.5 inches and approximately 26.5 inches, and the run time per charge of the batteries is in the range of between approximately 3.3 hours and approximately 3.7 hours.
 17. The combination of claim 15 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is approximately 3.25 MPH, the burnish width is approximately 26 inches and the run time per charge of the batteries is approximately 3.5 hours.
 18. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 27 inches to approximately 29 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 2.7 hours and approximately 3.7 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 19. The combination of claim 18 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH, the burnish width is in the range of between approximately 27.5 inches and approximately 28.5 inches, and the run time per charge of the batteries is in the range of between approximately 3.0 hours and approximately 3.4 hours.
 20. The combination of claim 18 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is approximately 3.25 MPH, the burnish width is approximately 28 inches and the run time per charge of the batteries is approximately 3.2 hours.
 21. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least six rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 27 inches to approximately 29 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 5.9 hours and approximately 6.9 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 22. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 31 inches to approximately 33 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 2.3 hours and approximately 3.3 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 23. The combination of claim 22 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH, the burnish width is in the range of between approximately 31.5 inches and approximately 32.5 inches, and the run time per charge of the batteries is in the range of between approximately 2.6 hours and approximately 3.0 hours.
 24. The combination of claim 22 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is approximately 3.25 MPH, the burnish width is approximately 32 inches and the run time per charge of the batteries is approximately 2.8 hours.
 25. In combination, a rechargeable, battery powered, walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of drive pads adapted to receive and hold removable polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a body having a front and rear wherein the body is sized and arranged to hold at least six rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheel, the traction motor and traction wheel sized and arranged to move the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor while burnishing at a forward speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a moveable deck assembly supporting the pair of drive pads, the deck assembly diagonally positioned in front of the body to achieve a floor burnish width in the range of between approximately 31 inches to approximately 33 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of drive pads to impart rotational motion to the polygonal burnishing pads; the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of between approximately 5.1 hours and approximately 6.1 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly from a first position where the removable polygonal burnishing pads touch the floor to a second position where the removable polygonal pads do not touch the floor; and a control panel mounted at the rear of the body to allow an operator to control at least the deck assembly, traction motor and the burnish motor.
 26. In combination rechargeable battery powered walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of pad drivers adapted to receive and hold a pair of polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a battery pack having at least three rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheels for moving the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor at a speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a deck assembly supporting a burnish motor operatively connected to a pair of opposing pad drivers; the deck assembly diagonally positioned to achieve a nominal burnish width in the range of between approximately 39 inches and approximately 41 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of opposing burnishing pads, the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of approximately 2.0 hours and 3.0 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly to a first position where the polygonal pads are touching the floor and a second position where the polygonal pads are not touching the floor; and a control panel to allow an operator to control at least the traction motor and the burnish motor.
 27. The combination of claim 26 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is in the range of between approximately 3.0 MPH and approximately 3.4 MPH, the burnish width is in the range of between approximately 39.5 inches and approximately 40.5 inches, and the run time per charge of the batteries is in the range of between approximately 2.3 hours and approximately 2.8 hours.
 28. The combination of claim 26 wherein, the forward speed while burnishing is approximately 3.25 MPH, the burnish width is approximately 40 inches and the run time per charge of the batteries is approximately 2.5 hours.
 29. In combination rechargeable battery powered walk-behind twin headed burnisher with a pair of pad drivers adapted to receive and hold a pair of polygonal burnishing pads, the combination comprising: a battery pack having at least six rechargeable batteries; a traction motor operatively connected to at least one traction wheels for moving the walk-behind twin headed burnisher across the floor at a speed in the range of between approximately 2.8 MPH and approximately 3.6 MPH; a deck assembly supporting a burnish motor operatively connected to a pair of opposing pad drivers; the deck assembly diagonally positioned to achieve a nominal burnish width in the range of between approximately 39 inches and approximately 41 inches; a pair of opposing polygonal burnishing pads removably connected to each of the drive pads; a burnish motor operatively connected to the pair of opposing burnishing pads, the burnish motor and the traction motor sized and arranged to run in the range of approximately 4.0 hours and 5.0 hours on a single charge of the rechargeable batteries; means to raise and lower the deck assembly to a first position where the polygonal pads are touching the floor and a second position where the polygonal pads are not touching the floor; and a control panel to allow an operator to control at least the traction motor and the burnish motor.
 30. A method for burnishing the finish on a vinyl composite tile floor (VCTF) comprising the following steps: first, selecting a walk-behind battery powered floor scrubber, second, scrubbing the finish on the VCTF with the walk-behind battery powered floor scrubber; third, selecting a walk-behind rechargeable battery powered twin headed floor burnisher with polygonal pads having at least three rechargeable DC batteries; and fourth, burnishing the finish on at least 100,000 square feet of VCTF on a single battery charge using the walk-behind rechargeable battery powered twin headed floor burnisher with polygonal pads. 